Herpesvirus-encoded GPCRs: neglected players in inflammatory and proliferative diseases?

Nat Rev Drug Discov. 2014 Feb;13(2):123-39. doi: 10.1038/nrd4189. Epub 2014 Jan 21.

Abstract

Herpesviruses encode membrane-associated G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) in their viral genomes that are structurally similar to chemokine receptors. These GPCRs hijack GPCR-mediated cellular signalling networks of the host for survival, replication and pathogenesis. In particular the herpesvirus-encoded chemokine receptors ORF74, BILF1 and US28, which are present at inflammatory sites and tumour cells, provide important virus-specific targets for directed therapies. Given the high druggability of GPCRs in general, these viral GPCRs can be considered promising antiviral drug targets.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / administration & dosage
  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / therapeutic use
  • Antiviral Agents / therapeutic use
  • Cell Proliferation / drug effects
  • Herpesviridae / genetics
  • Herpesviridae / pathogenicity*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / drug therapy
  • Herpesviridae Infections / immunology
  • Herpesviridae Infections / metabolism*
  • Herpesviridae Infections / virology
  • Humans
  • Protein Binding
  • Receptors, Chemokine / genetics*
  • Receptors, Chemokine / metabolism
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism
  • Signal Transduction / drug effects
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / drug therapy
  • Tumor Virus Infections / immunology
  • Tumor Virus Infections / metabolism*
  • Tumor Virus Infections / virology
  • Viral Proteins / genetics*
  • Viral Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
  • Antiviral Agents
  • Receptors, Chemokine
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Viral Proteins